Denham, North Uxbridge, Hillingdon, UB9 4NA
Denham Lock Wood
Wet woodland
Source image
6.6
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.6A small wet woodland and fen beside the Frays River, recognised as one of London’s finest examples of wet woodland and designated an SSSI in the Colne Valley.
This is a distinctive fragment of wet woodland rather than a generic urban green space: the Frays River, fen habitat and riverside boardwalk bring you close to a landscape that is unusual in London. Its access and path conditions need a little checking, but the ecological character makes it worth seeking out.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapDenham, North Uxbridge, Hillingdon, UB9 4NA
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The experience
Allow around an hour for a short nature visit. Approach by the Grand Union Canal towpath, the easiest access route identified by London Wildlife Trust, and explore only paths confirmed open on the day. The reserve is small, at five hectares according to the Trust; wet, rutted paths and the stated boardwalk closure make current conditions important to check.
Things to do
Explore the wet woodland and fen
Look for the habitat transition between wet woodland and fen beside the Frays River. Keep to paths that are open and in suitable condition.
About 30–60 minutes; suggested
Watch and listen for wildlife
The Trust describes the Colne Valley habitat here as valuable for birds, flowers and invertebrates. Visit quietly and look for signs of wildlife without disturbing it.
Walk in via the canal towpath
The Grand Union Canal towpath is identified by London Wildlife Trust as the easiest walking approach. This is access information, not a verified circular route.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour; suggested, not a published route duration
Quick escape: the Frays River woodland
- 01
Use the Grand Union Canal towpath approach, identified by London Wildlife Trust as the easiest walking access.
- 02
Check whether the woodland boardwalk is open before setting out; the supplied reserve page notes a closure but its excerpt does not give the reopening date.
- 03
Explore the open paths and notice the wet woodland and fen alongside the Frays River.
- 04
Return by your chosen access route; expect some paths to be wet or rutted.
Half day · Half day; suggested, not a published itinerary
Make a half day of the Colne Valley
- 01
Check current access and boardwalk conditions with London Wildlife Trust before travelling.
- 02
Approach on foot via the Grand Union Canal towpath or another access route listed by the Trust.
- 03
Spend time in the reserve observing its wet woodland, fen and riverside habitat.
- 04
Extend the outing along the canal towpath only if conditions and the route suit your plans; no specific extension distance or nearby venue is verified by the supplied evidence.
Verified history
The supplied reference source states that Denham Lock Wood was notified as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1986. London Wildlife Trust identifies it as a reserve in the Colne Valley and describes it as one of London’s finest examples of wet woodland. No further site history is established by the supplied sources.
Hidden details
A wet woodland beside a fen — The reserve is not simply woodland: London Wildlife Trust describes wet woodland and fen alongside the Frays River, making the habitat combination a useful thing to notice as you walk.
Check the boardwalk before setting out — The supplied reserve-page excerpt notes that the woodland boardwalk is closed, but does not include a reopening date. Confirm its status with London Wildlife Trust before planning to use it.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · October · No specific time of day is recommended by the supplied sources.
London Wildlife Trust recommends visiting from April to October. The supplied evidence does not give month-by-month wildlife peaks.
Paths may be wet and rutted. Check conditions and the current boardwalk status before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Notice the change from wet woodland to fen beside the Frays River. London Wildlife Trust describes the wider area as valuable for birds, flowers and invertebrates
- 02
look and listen quietly rather than expecting a particular species.
The story
Nature conservation; designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1986, according to the supplied reference source.
Best time to go
April–October, according to London Wildlife Trust.
London Wildlife Trust recommends April to October. Choose a dry spell if you want to avoid the wet and rutted paths.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
London Wildlife Trust lists the reserve as open at all times. Walking access is via the Grand Union Canal towpath, Denham Country Park, Denham Quarry Trail or Uxbridge Golf Course; the towpath is described as the easiest approach. There is no direct access from the A40. Check the current boardwalk status before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting; the supplied sources do not confirm parking at the reserve.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Dogs on leads.
Accessibility
The reserve has shallow steps and a stile at the canal access. The riverside boardwalk and public footpath from the golf course to the canal are described as well surfaced; other paths may be wet and rutted. Check current boardwalk status and route suitability before travelling.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River, fen
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Denham Lock Wood
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
